Following is the gist of remarks made by Hiroshi Okuda, Chairman, Nippon-Keidanren at a scheduled press conference following monthly Chairman and Vice Chairmen's meeting on 6 October 2003. Translation is rush and tentative, and sequence of the gist does not necessarily coincide with words delivered.
(On so-called "environment tax")
"Environment tax" proposal reported by the Central Environment Council is no less than a new tax towards businesses, where public opinion does not exist. It will have a variety of negative impacts on the businesses such as affecting international competitiveness and existing taxes on energy sources. At today's Chairman and Vice Chairmen's meeting, we concluded to strongly oppose the Council's proposal.
Nippon Keidanren has been continuously working on Voluntary Action Plan to reduce global warming gas emissions that has resulted in certain gains. I believe that there must be more thorough discussion on the national scale towards how to reduce household energy consumption, etc., that the government has not even attempted to reduce.
(On removal of Mr. Fujii from Japan Highway Public Corporation)
It should have been smarter to resign rather than being removed. The new president must have a strong sense of leadership and fairness, as well as ability to get grasp of numerical figures.
(On manifesto of the Democratic Party)
I agree with them in seeking transparency of income and expenditure of political money. However, starting from one yen must be unrealistic, as it would cost both time and money. I also agree with using consumption tax as a resource for pension fund, but when to hike the tax rate and how must be studied further.
(On supporting Iraq reconstructions)
Financial support from Japan must be kept minimum, but Japan must substantially contribute financially as it heavily relies on the Middle East oil. I have no particular ideas at the moment as to the exact figure or percentage.
(On Japan-Mexico FTA)
As WTO Cancún Ministerial meeting did not produce results, Japan must speed up concluding FTAs in order to keep the pace with the world. I call the government to come to early conclusion from this sense.
(On pension reform)
The biggest task is to come up with right combination of the premium rate, reduction of pension payment, and how much the government must bear. I believe that the government must provide 1/2 support. The main revenue source must be the consumption tax.